SS Richard Montgomery Masts Removed to Stabilize Wreck
Engineers successfully dismantled the rusting masts of the WWII shipwreck near London, reducing structural risks while leaving the cargo untouched.
By Thabo Hoffmann ·
Locals and ships passing through the Thames Estuary will no longer see the three tall masts of the SS Richard Montgomery. The structure has been fully removed, leaving the vessel submerged beneath the water. This change marks the end of a long-standing visual landmark that had been deteriorating for years.
The primary goal of the project was to prevent a potential collapse. The masts were rusting and the ship had begun to lean. Engineers feared that if the masts fell, they could strike the cargo below. Such an impact might trigger an explosion. Keeping the masts standing was becoming increasingly difficult as the structure weakened over time.
The team used specialized equipment to complete the job safely. They built a custom lifting frame to raise each mast without swinging it. This method avoided shaking the wreck. For the underwater cuts, they used a remotely operated saw. This tool clamped around the masts and cut through them. No divers had to enter the water to perform the cuts.
U.K. maritime minister Keir Mather confirmed the work was finished early. He noted the project came in under budget. The total cost was just under $13 million. He stated that the masts placed a heavy load on the wreck. Removing them reduces the risk to the structure. This step supports the long-term management of the site.
The explosives remain in the ship's holds. There are about 1,500 tons of munitions there. Removing them would be risky. Experts disagree on what would happen if the cargo exploded. Estimates range from a tidal wave moving up the river to a minor event that only closes a shipping channel. Officials still believe the chance of an explosion is low. However, the uncertainty remains.
The wreck will stay where it has been for over eighty years. It lies about 1.5 miles off the coast of Sheerness. The government maintains an exclusion zone around the area. The site will continue to be monitored closely. The masts themselves have been moved to a museum. They will be displayed to honor the ship's role in the war effort.
Source: CBS News
